Dear Friends & Family,
We hope this finds you well and enjoying the beautiful spring season! We are writing to tell about a calling the Lord has placed in our lives.
Recently, I have been taken on a journey with the Lord through the bible, prayer and study about what it means to be a disciple. One truth I am being taught is to Go into all the world and preach the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). I used to think that was a verse only for missionaries in full time service; now realizing it includes me. The second truth that God has pressed into my heart is James 1:27 “True religion that God our Father accepts is this; to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” I have not arrived and am just scratching the surface of discipleship. It’s exciting, freeing, yet very difficult and messy. With that said, I am heading to Africa in June with a group; Visiting Orphans. We will visit the countries of Uganda, a land beginning to rebuild from war left with 2 million orphans and an HIV crisis, and Ethiopia, a land filled with an estimated 4.6 million orphans some living in the city dump in Korah. We will be working with different ministries that are involved in relief of critical needs and rehabilitation of long term development in care of orphans and the communities they live in; from feeding programs, education, health care, community development and most importantly teaching the word of God and living out the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
During trip preparations, my son Collin began to ask to go. My initial reaction was; that’s impossible, we can’t afford that, I just don’t see a way. His heart did not withdraw from the position God was giving him. Last week it all clicked when I heard a speaker who through a Divine experience is now called to encourage others to make their dream come true. The speaker challenged the audience to think of one person to build into helping them accomplish their dream. Collin immediately came to mind. I went home and asked him if he had a dream for his life what would it be? He without hesitation replied, “I would buy the old abandoned resort in Jamaica we saw when we were at the orphanage this winter and turn it into a place where parents could come when they are adopting kids and where mission teams could stay so there is more room for kids to live.” This shocked me; his usual response would be a sporty car, a faster snowmobile, or a recreational toy. I knew that this was not “His dream,” but a dream that had been planted in him. His heart is open to missions now and in the future. This has not come easy; he is prone to desiring stuff and having the creature comforts of America just like the rest of us. Collin’s reasons for going to Africa in his words, “I love working with kids and I really want to learn from the African people how to live without the love of things and stuff.”
This calling is bigger than we can handle on our own and we need your help. We are asking you to cheerfully give and be part of this mission.
Ways 2 Donate:
Financially: Donate to Collin’s cost of the trip ($3900.00)
Resources: Help us stuff our suitcases with vitamins, over the counter medicines, baby formula, cloth diapers, and other supplies we will take over as the ministries inform us of their needs.
Prayer: For the whole team (33 Americans) and all that the Lord will accomplish. For people to come to know Jesus as Savior, safe travels, provision of financial needs, spiritual, emotional and physical strength, and for God to do what man is incapable of doing; more than we could dream, hope or imagine. More than anything that Jesus Christ be glorified!
How to donate:
1. MAIL: 2453 220th Street Blairsburg, IA 50034.2. ON-LINE: www.visitingorphans.org click on the donate tab and follow instructions (Fund category is Ethiopia/ Uganda June 21-July 4), specify the team member, (Collin Foose).
3. RESOURCES: purchase items and drop off at Whoop-Ti-Doos or our home.
4. STUFF: We are planning a garage sale if you have gently used items to donate we will come pick them up! (In WC area)
Questions on Donating:
Joy Fopma: 515-720-7766
Collin Foose: 515-720-3164
Address: Home: 2453 220th Street, Blairsburg, 50034 Whoop-Ti-Doos: 626 2nd Street, Webster City, 50595
E-mail: whooptidoos@gmail.com
Contact us on Facebook!
More Info on the Mission:
Ekubo ministries: http://www.ekuboministries.
Canaan Children’s Home: http://www.
Amazima Ministries (Katie Davis, Kisses From Katie): http://amazima.org/
Return Ministries: http://www.
Project 61: http://www.sixtyfeet.org/
Thanks for taking the time to read this letter! Blessings on you!
To Make Much of Him,
Joy (Fopma) and Collin (Foose)
